Swine Flu / Influenza 2009 H1N1 - Reason for Concern, Not Worry

Influenza 2009 H1N1 / swine flu is literally front-page news for the World Health Organization (WHO).

As of 06:00 UTC / GMT, 11 countries have officially-confirmed cases of influenza 2009 H1N1.

Country	# of known cases
Austria	1
Canada	34
Germany	3
Israel	2
Mexico	156
Netherlands	1
New Zealand	3
Spain	13
Switzerland	1
United Kingdom	8
United States	109

(source: WHO)

Also from WHO: "...There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness...."

I'm glad WHO is trying to make that clear. I'm concerned that more countries will follow Egypt's lead, killing pigs with no perceivable reason.

List of posts relating to Swine flu 2009; and list of background resources:

• "Swine Flu 2009"
  • "Swine flu 2009 posts"
  • "Background and more information"
  • "WHO Alert Phases"
  • " 'Public Health Emergency' - What's That Mean? "

In the news:

• " Confirmed number of flu cases jumps to 331"
  CNN (May 1, 2009)